Ep 3.2. The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith (Classics Edition)

In this episode, Liz and Grace read Patricia Highsmith’s “The Talented Mr Ripley” and discuss why it’s been considered a classic. 

First published in 1955, the novel follows Tom Ripley, a con artist sent to Italy to bring back the son of a wealthy American. Upon arrival, Tom finds himself charmed by the charismatic Dickie Greenleaf and jealous of his writer girlfriend Marge. Tom doesn’t just like Dickie, however, he actually wants to be him – and it soon becomes clear that he’s willing to achieve this goal at any cost. 

Is Tom the villain, or the hero of the book? Why do we find ourselves rooting for him? What made Patricia Highsmith so radical? And why are we still talking about her work? These are just some of the questions they ask in the podcast. 

Website: ⁠https://isthisbookaclassic.my.canva.site/⁠

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Cover art: @jinny_lee_photography